Champions League: Supercomputer Predicts Final League Phase Table

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Liverpool above Aston Villa: Data analysts predict final Champions League league phase table

With the 2026/27 Champions League season now underway, a supercomputer has tried its hand at predicting how the opening stage of the competition will pan out.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain are, once again, the favourites for glory as they pursue a third successive triumph in Europe's premier competition. But they will face stiff opposition from the likes of Premier League champions Arsenal, as well as Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

For many clubs, however, the league phase could make or break their Champions League campaign. Now in its third iteration following UEFA's overhaul of the old group-stage format ahead of the 2024/25 season, every result could have a significant bearing on a team's route through the competition.

While some sides have been handed a tougher set of league phase opponents than others, Opta's data analysts have put together a predicted final table, with statistics, fixture difficulty and thousands of simulations helping to paint as accurate a picture as possible of how the first stage could unfold.

The wooden spoon is reserved for Slovan Bratislava, who have never reached the knockout stages and are predicted to collect just 4.6 points. LASK then feature just behind Turkish outfit Galatasaray, who have lost their two opening matches.

Lille have also lost their opening two games (3-2 at home to Real Betis and 3-0 away to Arsenal), which has done their hopes of progressing some early damage.

Unfortunately for Azerbaijani side Sabah FK, there is little reason to take issue with their predicted position just off the foot of the table. Not only are they competing in the Champions League for the first time in their history, but they have also been handed the toughest set of opponents of any club in the competition. As a result, analysts expect them to have a tough time getting points on the board, but they aren't tipped to come last.

In 28th, Viking FK will be hoping Norway's growing reputation in European football can help them punch above their weight and replicate Bodo/Glimt's surprise run to the knockout stages last season. After an impressive draw against Bayern Munich, they are predicted to finish ahead of Napoli and PSV.

Supercomputer Predicts UCL League Phase Table (36-28)

AEK Athens, Fenerbahce and Porto are all in danger of falling short of qualifying for the Champions League knockout rounds via an extra playoff round.

It's expected to be tight, but Feyenoord, RC Lens and Shakhtar Dontesk, who have agreed to play their home games at Chelsea's Stamnford Bridge, are currently on course to finish high enough to make the playoffs. A very nerve-inducing league phase could be in store for all three sides.

Adding to that tight group, Roma, RB Leipzig and Villarreal are all tipped to only hit 10 points and just about scrape through.

Supercomputer Predicts UCL League Phase Table (27-19)

Como, who are expected to finish 18th, have one of the most inspirational stories in European football in recent memory, with their meteoric rise under the management of former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas making them very difficult not to love.

Just above them are Inter Milan, who are yet to pick up a point from their opening two matches. They will hope to recover and have another shot at the big-eared trophy after reaching the final twice over the last five seasons, where they were left heartbroken at the last hurdle against Man City in 2023 and PSG in 2025.

Club Brugge are now expected to finish above the Italian giants after they prevailed 4-3 in their match at the San Siro.

Bodo/Glimt were a breath of fresh air last season, as they got wins over Man City, Atletico Madrid and Inter before falling at the Round of 16. They should get another shot at the knockouts.

Manchester United are expected to finish 14th, a place behind Atletico. Diego Simeone's side beat the English giants 2-0 in the second matchday.

Just missing out on a place inside the top 10 are Borussia Dortmund and Real Betis. VfB Stuttgart, who have the easiest fixture list based on opponent ratings, are expected to finish above them.

Supercomputer Predicts UCL League Phase Table (18-10)

Sporting CP surprisingly finished in the top eight in 2025/26 and progressed automatically to the last 16. They are expected to narrowly miss out this time round.

Manchester City are being tipped to finish eighth. Enzo Maresca's team's tally of 15 expected points suggests a continuation of the impressive Pep Guardiola era.

Just ahead of them are Europa League holders Aston Villa, who would be very happy with that based on their difficult start to the Premier League season, where they have won just once in six matches.

Man Utd feature, while PSG still aren't top despite retaining their Champions League title.

Bayern Munich will look to translate their domestic dominance into continental superiority as they are expected to finish sixth, just behind Paris Saint-Germain. The French side, who are looking to win the Champions League for a third time in a row this season, put down a marker in the second matchday as they beat Man City at the Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool had a tricky tie against Atletico to start their European campaign and were able to come from a goal behind to win 2-1 at Anfield. They then thrashed LASK 6-3 in Austria. That's boosted their hopes, as they are backed to come fourth in the league phase.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid come next in third and second respectively. Barca have scored eight goals in their opening games, while Madrid also have a perfect record so far, having beaten Inter and Roma.

Finally, Premier League champions and last season's finalists Arsenal are tipped to come first. They did so last season, winning every game, and having beaten Napoli and Lille in their opening two matches this time around, it makes sense for them to be ranked at the top.

Supercomputer Predicts UCL League Phase Table (9-1)

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